My First Days In Vietnam
My name is Gary Parker and I was born on March 22, 1949. I joined the Marine Corps December of 1966. It was just 2 months after my mother passed away and 1 month after I had a bad car accident that left my girl friend in the hospital not to mention my father who took to drinking. I figured I had to get away from my spiraling downword life at that time so I quit school and signed up.
I went to boot camp in San Diego Christmas day ’66 and realized at 17 years old I would have to grow up fast and my life was going to change. After boot camp I was sent to radio school for 4 months and then to more infantry training in Camp Pendleton, California. It’s then I knew for sure I would be going to Vietnam soon. Ended up there 2 days before Christmas of 1967.. As soon as I arrived in country I was sent to Danang to await orders. About a week later I was assigned to 1/26 infantry division that was up in a place called Khesanh. Never heard of Khesanh but knew it was about a mile from the border of South Vietnam and North. On the way to Khesanh I got a call on my radio that I was being diverted to Hill 881s which was about a mile or so from the Khesanh base to replace another radio operator who was killed the night before. I also found out that I was also going to be doing landing zone duties along with radio duties. My job with that included calling down the hill for supplies and replacements to be helicoptered in. The worst part of my duties were when I had to call in choppers to get our seriously wounded off the hill because those who were killed could wait. There were priorities first. I remember looking out if the helicopter window and wondering if I could do what was expected of me. When we got there I remember being told we would have to circle for awhile because the hill was taking incoming and it wasn’t safe to land. When we did the crew chief screaming to get the hell off and fast because the mortar and snipper fire was all coming in. Didn’t have to ask twice. The first thing I saw as I was running of the helicopter was about 6 dead Marines covered up with their ponchos waiting to be taken off the hill. I knew It was going to be a bad place. I asked someone as to who was in charge. And that someone was Lt. Dabney. Later after the firing stooped he told me that he wanted me to work off of 2 landing zones on the hill and to check in with him every night to relay down the hill what they needed such as food, water and ammunition. He also wanted me to get whatever I needed off the Marine I replaced. He was one of the dead Marines next to where I got off the chopper. I took the radio off his back and a few radio batteries and that was the first time I saw a dead Marine and knew I was in for a long hell on earth. I set up in a fox hole next to 2 Marines manning a .50. Every morning before I set out to get in contact with the Lt. I had to decide which landing zone I would be using and both were zeroed in by the North Vietnamese army. No matter which one I picked I had only 20 Seconds the get them in and loaded with dead and wounded before the bullets and mortar rounds came in and that was nerve racking to say the least. It didn’t always work that way and sometimes I would loose. I can remember being the only Marine out in the open guiding the help in to hover in becaus It was too risky landing. I also remember many, many times standing under the cooper hooking up cargo nets while others took cover while the mortars came in. It was funny but being there you couldn’t hear the bullets or explosions because of the noise of the chopper blades. It was better that way because you just didn’t know and I didn’t have time to think about getting killed till the job was done. There was no other choice other than to stand there and prey that today wouldn’t be the day. I not only had to worry about my butt , but the lives of so many seriously wounded Marines. It was my responsibility to get them out as soon as I could. Something that I think about almost daily. There were times When I had very badly injured and when I say badly injured I mean clinging to life lying right next to me at times asking for their mothers or wives waiting to get off the hill so that they might have a chance to live another day. I also remember at times the incoming was so bad that the helicopters just couldn’t risk landing. There were times I even felt God like because I was the only one that could get the helicopters in at the time. If I couldn’t sometimes they died and something died in me also. I felt like I failed them. I believe I carry every dead Marine inside me to this day. I remember everything they said to me as they took their last breath. Something over whelming for a 19 year old. There was nothing more I could do for them. I just wante to crawl under a rock and die. I also that if I could have given my own life to save there’s I would have in a heartbeat.
Just before I was sent to an adjacent hill a few weeks later to replace another wounded Marine they sent another radio operator up the hill to give me a hand. His name was Richard and was from New Jersey. One morning while waiting for choppers to come in to pick up 2 badly wounded Marines, we knew if they circled much longer they would be at great risk of being shot down. I remember running into the open and waving them in. In the mean time Richard was helping to get the wounded into the landing zone for a quick loading. When the chopper finally got down Richard carried one of the wounded Marines onto the chopper. The chopper was having a problem lifting off and was spending way too much time on the ground. I waved for Richard to came over to me to explain what the problem was. Just as the chopper got about 10 feet off the ground I saw rockets hit about 20 feet in front of me and dove to the ground. Richard wasn’t so lucky. He got hit in the head and stomach. . I ran over to him and saw that he was dieing right there. I did what I could for him but felt helpless at that moment. For the first time I felt like the whole world was coming to an end and there was nothing I could do. I took him in my arms and told him he was going to be OK and I knew I was lieing but didn’t know what else to say. Having someone die while looking into his eyes is something that has been with me for years. He was able to ask me if I could tell his mother how much he loved her and that he was going to be OK. That was the last thing he said to me before he died. He had to lay on the ground for hours before I could get him out and I stayed with his body the whole time.
I have always thought that if I had never told him to come over to me at that moment he would still be here today. I did locate his mother years later and told her he never suffered. We still communicated till she passed away. Made me feel good to get that done.
About a week later I was flown to an adjacent hill. It was Hill 861a as a radio operator to replace another Marine who got shot but lived to go home. I had to work another landing zone out out in the saddle of the split hill. There was a little more room to land but difficulty to work in the open. I tried to set up another landing area but that proved to be too dangerous. I found out early in time that the North Vietnamese had spotters on the ground and could see every helicopter coming and going. It just had to be timed right. I had another Marine working with me on the hill and it was always on my mind to try and keep him out of harms way if I could.
After working together for about 4 days and living in a fox hole next to our landing zone we would talk about our girlfriends and stuff like that. His name is Carlos and was from Brooklyn. Great guy too.
Around 0200 in the morning Carlobs woke me up and said he had a feeling something just wasn’t right. We heard what sounded like movement coming up the side of the hill. The nearest Marine to us was about 50 feet away and he was manning a .50 cal. Maybe 20 minutes later our flares were going off just in front of us. Guess someone else heard the noise too. After the flares we heard small arms fire and mortars hitting just in front of us. Needless to say we kept our heads down. We both could hear different areas of the hill firing weapons and lighting up the whole with flares. Everything was happening so fast just like a dream. I looked up in the flare light and could see people running and jumping over our fox hole and they didn’t look like good guys.They were heading for our command post about 25 yards away I believe the Marine with the .50 opened up and got a few. Carlos looked at me and said that it won’t be long till they look down and see us in the hole. It was a no brainer and we would both be killed. And that would be the end! We both stood up and started shooting our m16’s. We were about 12 feet away from where they were coming up the hill. I also knew that both of us had about 12 magazines loaded up and right at hand. I shot my m16 till the barrel started glowing red. I also used what hand grenades we had. I had a whole case that I had been sitting on to stay dry. Everything that night was like a dream and luckily or unluckily I don’t remember too much because of all the adrenaline going through me. It seemed like it lasted forever. Hours later after the sun came up I felt numb all over and sick. We checked each other to make sure we were still alive. One thing I thank God for is that because we were in charge of some supplies that were brought up the hill “we had plenty of ammunition”. When it looked safe to get out of the hole, all we could see there were dead North Vietnamese soldiers and a few dead and wounded Marines.
I think I may have walked around the area directly in front of our fox hole and shot any of the NVA that were moving or playing dead. At that point I just didn’t care. After that I called in as many medical helicopters I could get to have our wounded taken off the hill. We never did get any of the wounded NVA off the hill because we just wanted to watch them die. This whole thing changed my life forever because I wasn’t fighting for my country anymore, I was fighting for my fellow Marines and trying to keep them alive. Dealing in death day in and day out. When someone was killed I started to feel as though they were just a thing on the ground. I started to loose the feeling of that body being a person. I found out weeks later that Carlos was bayoneted in the back on another hill and was sent home.
The next day I was relieved off the hill and was sent to the the base camp down the hill where they were many as 1400 rocket hits a day along with NVA artillery fire.
This place was no better than the hills near by I just left. In March 13 of 1968 while working on the base landing zone I got hit in the head by a piece of shrapnel from a .122 rocket or mortar. I was waiting for the next load of supplies to be dropped by parachute. As the the supplies were floating down, it came to me that the entire enemy was waiting for us to retrieve those supplies so that could shoot mortar rounds off to hit as we came in. I turned around just in time to see a friend standing next to his jeep when a mortar hit the hood and killed him instantly. I turned to run when the very next round hit right in front of my feet and hit me in the head and hands. After about 20 minutes I woke up and was covered with a poncho. As I tried to get up they realized I was still alive. I guss with all the crap going on and my head covered in blood, they must have thought I was dead. I was loaded on a Helicopter and taken to a field hospital then Japan.
I never did get back to Khesanh but in a way I am there almost every night with the Marines I watched dieing.
I live with the thoughts of why all those Marines died and I didn’t. I think they call that survivor’s guilt. Watching someone die right in front of you and calling their mothers or wives is a thing that will be with me forever. Out of all this I find having patience is something I lack and patience for people who don’t try really try isn’t there. Over the years being close to me takes time but I put on a good face. I have been married 3 times and fought hard to make them work but failed and had 14 jobs before settling into one for over 25 years and made it.. I have a wife now of 20 years that seems to be coming around to the way I am. The only real friends I have are people I worked with in my last jod and the ones I served with in Vietnam. My wife and my Vietnam friends are what keep me going. The wife says I dwell to much on my past military life but that’s just the way it is and it will never fade away. I went through too much too fast at too young an age to ever forget it. 10 years ago the Veterans Administration finally decided after 2 weeks of testing that I was suffering from a traumatic brain injury from my head wound in March of ’68. In fact I still have the shrapnel in my head. The results of the TBI is attention, concentration, and distractibility, my memory, my speed of processing, confusion, impulsiveness, language processiing and a few more. This all starting to come to the surface within the last several years. I have learned to take short cuts to accomplish most of what I do. Vietnam is a place where I grew up too fast and too young’ and I really believe it’s where I stopped growing up and living. But I would do it again if asked in a heat beat.. I have learned to do whatever it takes to make my life normal not to mention doing whatever it takes to get the job done.
This was one of the hardest things I’ve ever put to pen but wanted people to try and understand what it was all about in a young man’s head so many years ago. Some day I will be looking forward to seeing those brave men once again.
Sgt Grit wants to hear from you! Leave your comments below or Submit your own Story !
Thanks brother. You did well. Semper Fi
I was taking off the dead and wounded from the helicopters during hill 881 and 861 at Dong ha… my buddy Sgt Dick Bandstand Clarke was there and we always exchanged stories of how brave our Marines were! CMac Dong Ha 67 -68
You guys in Dong Ha did a great job. I’m sure you got a lot of mine. There were quite a few. I tbink we se t some to you in slings under choppers too.
Thanks brother. You did well. Semper Fi!
God bless you for your service. I’m proud to have served in the same Corps as you!
Well done Jarhead. Charlie Mike. Vince 2111 USMC ’79-’90
Thanks for sharing your story, I joined the Marines in 1974 after I graduated from high school. I have always appreciated the sacrifices and service from my fellow Marines who served in Vietnam. Semper Fi and Happy Birthday Marines!!!
Joined in June, 74,3 weeks after graduation. Was at PI platoon 252 2nd BLT. Semper Fi.
May God bless you my friend and brother! Thank you for all of your sacrifice and your service. Semper Fi?? Cpl.John Harris, Bravo Battery, 3rd LAAM Bn. 1981-86.
Job well done. Semper Fi
What a story to write! My good Marine buddy was at Khe Sanh the same time as you. He now lives on a Ranch in SD and I am sure he would like to talk to you. He was also wounded there and Also received the Navy Cross. He also came home with PTSD. I have a site on YouTube with a couple of video he had done. I am from MO and I just got back from his home. Had a Pheasant hunt for Wounded Warriors. Just a great time with them. I would like to put you in touch with him. Please email at courtcurtis@usa.net. I am going to send your story to Ken my Brother Marine. I was also in the Corp in 1962 I was in the 2nd Marine Div. FMF. Semper Fi my Brother. Court Conkwright
Amen and thanks, Semper Fi
Hi, Gary. Thanks for sharing your experience. I was born a month after you, April 22, 1949, and at Christmas of 1967 was struggling as a freshman, finishing my first year of football at the college level. My struggles were inconsequential compared to yours. At graduation in 1971 I did make it into the Marines, then to Viet Nam toward the end. You may have met a Navy Corpsman named John ‘Doc’ McBride in Khe Sanh. John and I were together years after that siege, stationed in New York City of all places. Good luck to you, and know that all of your fellow Marines are grateful for what you did in Viet Nam.
Hi Tom I don’t believe I ever met John. There were so many great Corpsman at Khesanh. Kept them pretty busy too. We had a doc on 881s who did the entire siege. Guts!!
You are why Marines are the best there is.
Semper Fi !!!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Semper Fi.
Thank you my brother, well done. Keep up the fight, we will all meet one day. Nam 69-70. Semper Fi.
Hoping so Barry. I also hope to see all that passed looking at me.
Col Bill Dabney was my CO at 9th Marines many years ago on Okinawa, he was married to “Chesty” Pullers daughter, Virginia. I was a Warrant Officer at the time and he convinced me to apply for the LDO program which I did and was selected, I feel, based on his recommendation of me. I was a grunt with 1/7 in 69.
Semper Fi Marine, you are a credit to The Marine Corps. Outstanding job you did in Vietnam.
Welcome home Marine. Job well done. Semper Fi
Semper Fi Marine….Welcome home and thank you for serving. ’75/’79.
Khe Shan, remember it well I was stationed at the air field with the I MAW unloading our dead and wounded brothers from the CH 47 s. God bless you bro and Semper Fi.
I put too many to remember down your way
I have a good friend that was at Khe Sanh also, and their is not a Marine who survived this Hell who is not a Hero, I have a great deal of respect for them all, it is even greater that you can put it down in writing a lot of our Hero’s can not do that even yet, Safety and Respect to a real Marine, Semper Fi,
Sometimes I wonder how that came out of me in just 45 minutes. Could never do that again..
Once a Marine Always a Marine! God Bless you my brother and thanks for sharing your experience. Semper Fi!
Your experience very close to book I just read called Hill 488 by Ray Hildreth. Thank you and all Marines who went thru that baptism by fire. I served prior during Cuban blockade and cold war with Russia and discharged in 65 never firing a shot in anger. Your courage and sacrifice exemplary… God bless you and Semper Fi Marine.
I’ll have to read that book because like I said to someone else, I wrote that out in just 45 minutes, something that comes around once in a lifetime
17th. birthday, 1951 joined….Korea…..home….Semper Fi brother…..been there
Semper Fi
Unbelievable of what you went through upon your arrival in Vietnam. Welcome home and thank you for your service brother. Semper Fidelis.
And the Marines said it would be a piece ok cake
You had it tough brother. I was down the road at Ca Lu while you were at Khe Sahn, My best friend Doc Rus Scarbrough was killed on either 881 or 861. Hang in there brother. Les Burcaw 3/9
While U was on 881s, I don’t think I remember a corpsman getting killed between 1/15 to 2/20 of ’68. Maybe 861a?
He was killed April 6,’68
That was after I left brother
My nephew was at khe sanh in 3th recon the same time you where. Welcome home brother.Semper Fi.
Worked the same area as a radio operator from Mar – July 68. Semper Fi.
Prc’s.25’s. Forever.
4 months radio school. Must have been San Diego. I was in RT 31-Sgt Jay Ledbetter was our instructor in 1966-1967. Went south in ’67, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines 1976-68 bulk of the time in the Danang area-Arizona, Dodge City, Gonad Island area. Semper Fi–Happy Birthday very shortly
Worked a Mark-83 for awhile. After Nam they sent me to CW school as a 2533
I am so proud to have served in the same Marine Corps that you did. I enter Boot Camp in 1979, and in 1982-83 I was assigned to the 22-24 MAU in Beirut Lebanon. I am so proud and happy that you are home and I hope you get the help and your benefit that you should get for serving our country and looking out for your fellow Marines. Semperfi Marine and may God continue to bless you and all of my brother and sister Marines. Semperfi Always
Gary Parker, Its Marines like you that have helped me through the years to be able to open up about my experience in Beirut with “survivors guilt. I was supposed to go to the Beirut Embassy on a working party (Jan. 8, 1984), my CWO said that he would not allow his best (only) Generator Mechanic to be away from the MAU compound in case something happened. Well, an assault erupted and I was told that the Marine who was sitting my place was shot and killed as the helicopter was landing at the Embassy compound. Kevin C. Lane, I was with the 22 MAU that went to Grenada, then relieved you all in Beirut (Nov. 1983), you can find me on TWS (Marines), leave me a message. I’d love to hear from you.
I’m glad to hear your CWO wouldn’t part with you. He made a great decision. When Beirut was getting exciting, I felt for all of them. Leave it to the Marines to get stationed in “not so nice” locations. Glad you came back! Email me any time brother
Yes I did Kevin. 100% disabled
Yeah we had a lot of fun at Khe Sanh didn’t we brother. I was with 1/13 but was not a cannon cocker. I was glad just to get home…welcome home.
At the time “fun” was just a name. Yah, we did Jon. Never again
Marine, I joined the Corps in Jan of 65. I wanted to forego a football scholarship in College and go to Paris Island U. Recruiters talked me into going into the PLC program. I did not finish OCS and Basic School until Dec of 69. Went to RVN in 70 was with 1/1. Charlie Ridge Rocket Belt Que Sanh Mts. Wounded on March 2, 1971. Went to 95th Evac and Sanctuary. Came home. In my Purple Heart Unit we have a number of Marines that were at Khe Sanh. Sgt Major Bob Parker was bayoneted in the head and lived . A number of other members received similar wounds. Most had 4 and 5 Purple Hearts. I felt like I saw enough combat to get a belly full in Viet Nam but I have more respect for Khe Sanh survivors than any other Marines that served in RVN. You men are legends in my book and serving and living through that he’ll for 77 days at 17 years old is amazing. My Cover is off to you Marine. God Bless you and your Service to our Corps. Khe Sanh ranks right up there with Iwo Jima in USMC Lord. You should feel mighty proud of your accomplishment at such a young and tender age. The VA should take care of you My Brother. You deserve it. Semper Fi Marine. Thanks for your Service and Contribution to our beloved Corps.
They do K T
Very ironic. I was reading your story while watching the Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints game. To put this all in perspective…….I am a Marine Corps Veteran and will not turn on a game until well after the National Anthem is over. To be reading your story in between plays of the game just brought more anger to me. I am looking at certain individuals who will disrespect our flag without even having a clue as to what my brothers have endured and are still enduring in order for all of us (including them) to be free and safe in the great USA. Your story sheds light on the ignorance of certain “so called American” individuals who have been made millionaires by the same country that they are disrespecting. I would like to conclude by saying that your story is much more important and relevant to me than the ungrateful human beings that are on my television screen right now.. Well, the television is now turned off. I have leaves to rake and I think there is a race that starts in about an hour. My American flags proudly fly in front and in back of my house day and night every day. I will replay your story in my mind as I rake my leaves. I can only think that if you decided to kneel instead of carrying out your mission bravely and fearlessly as you did………………..what might have been. Thank you brother. Corporal Joe Wasowicz, USMC. Semper Fi to all of my brothers.
I feel exactly as you do Now. As much as I love the Bears and football being from Chicago….I do as you, turn off the National Anthem portion. They have no frigging clue as to what it means do do their crap. I for one feel sorry for them. If I could send them all the Names of those who fought for our flag and died, I would.
Semper Fi Marines! And Happy USMC Birthday coming up next month!
Welcome home, brother! My helicopter squadron based out of Quang Tri and Khe Sanh worked all the hills around Khe Sanh for the full 77 day siege. We lost 23 men and half of our aircraft in the first 40 days. It was was our honor to serve you and your brothers living under the most difficult conditions imaginable. Your strength, courage and commitment to your fellow marines is an example of what the United States Marine Corps is about. Semper Fi, my brother. God Bless you and your family.
Who knows Kreig, chances are I saw you looking out the hell hole as I hooked up nets or helped load dead or wounded in back. By the way I could send you a pencils drawing of a Sea Night of your squadron. I also have a hand carved Sea Night I had maid. After all that’s all I worked with. Loved you guys. You almost always never let us down…..ever
Your life story is remarkable and very familiar to those who fought in that era. I can only wish you the hope of eternal peace someday. God bless and Semper fi Bro!
May God continue to bless you Marine. Many thanks for your service and bravery. Will never forget you and those that have gone before us. Semper Fi Danang 70-71
Thank you for your service and for sharing your story! Semper Fi
Watching the race while reading your story. I don’t even want to call it that, seems somehow inadequate. You got there just before me, but our early service records are pretty close. My BD is Sept. 10, 1949. I almost quit school in my senior year, but decided to finish. I relate to not being able to get a job. I enlisted on my 19th Birthday on a 90 day delay and a guarantee for Com school. Did my boot at P.I. And ITR at Geiger. After leave I reported to Dago for Com school. Got orders at end to Vietnam. Took leave and reported to staging at Las Pulgas, Camp Pendleton. I turned 20 in a bunker on FSB Russel, 1 click from the Z. I was not at Khe Sanh, but know men who were. I made it home in one piece, kind of. Been married 7 times. Been married this time for 14 years to a kind and generous woman who has helped make me a better person. I am 70% PTSD, 100% unemployable. Been doing groups and classes at the Outpatient Clinic here in Austin. I am grateful that I can get with other Vets, and Marines. I praise you endurance above and beyond. You served with great honor. Semper Fidelis.
Other than the same first name, we did go places together. I also have a PRC. 25. No one to talk to though. LOL
Gary, Welcome home from hell. Your story can be repeated by many who fought in Vietnam at various locations. By having PTSD we are all forever mental prisoners of war. it never leaves us and your story reflects the horror you shared with all marine units in those hills around Khe Sanh. The legacy of the Corps lives in your story and I am proud of the things you did for the marines you served with. You did the very best you could given the situation and I would be proud to sand with you. Life and death can never mean more then just getting back home. Nothing could have meant more and thanks for sharing your story. Live safe my brother and keep turning those pages in your life. I served with 2/5 and we sent a bunch of gooks to hell too. Roger Ware, Corpsman Vietnam 66-67 and 71-72
Thanks Roger, that means a lot to me. Thank you brother. Gary
Gary, Sgt Conkwright here again. My good friend Ken Korkow was at Khe Sanh the same time as you were. I sent him your story and he would like to talk to you. Like I said he got the Navy Cross at Khe Sanh. Just one great guy to know. I would love for you to get in touch with me at my email address that is left for you then I can give you the phone number or email address for Ken. I would love to hook you up with Ken. You can read more about him on the Net. Just type in his name and a lot of things will pop up for you to read. If you type in his name and add Navy Cross behind it you will we see his citation and read how he got it. I just hope you will see this msg for you. I have copied it and here you are to read more about him…….Semper Fi .Sgt Conkwright
SEARCH HALL OF VALOR
AWARDS
Kenneth A. Korkow
Home of record: Blunt South Dakota
AWARDS AND CITATIONS
Navy Cross
See more recipients of this award
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Kenneth A. Korkow (MCSN: 2258125), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Mortar Section Leader of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 March 1968. During a search and destroy operation in the vicinity of the Khe Sanh Combat Base, Company B suddenly came under intense small-arms and mortar fire from a well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army battalion. Fearlessly exposing himself to the hostile fire, Corporal Korkow quickly deployed his mortar section into firing positions and, moving about the fire-swept terrain from one squad to another, directed heavy barrages of accurate fire against the enemy, destroying four fortified bunkers. Alertly detecting a hidden mortar site which was pinning down elements of his company, he advanced to a position dangerously open to enemy fire and, employing his own mortar, single-handedly destroyed the hostile emplacement. As the battle intensified, Corporal Korkow repeatedly disregarded his own safety as he moved from one position to another, encouraging his men and directing their fire. Observing a Marine fall wounded by an enemy explosive device, he selflessly rushed into the hazardous area and assisted his injured comrade to an aid station established to the rear of his company. Although seriously wounded while returning to the forward area after assisting more casualties to the aid station, Corporal Korkow resolutely continued to encourage and assist his men and comfort the wounded until he was medically evacuated. His intrepid fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the final defeat of the numerically superior enemy force. By his uncommon valor and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Corporal Korkow reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
Action Date: 30-Mar-68
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Corporal
Company: Company B
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 26th Marines
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Thank you for your service Marine. May you continue to be bless with God’s mercy and grace. Semper Fi!
Wow! I have no words to express what I just read. I have earned the title Marine but men like you and what you went through is what makes it special and proud to be part of the greatest fighting force in history! S/Fi Sir
Thanks brother. Means a lot!
God bless you Parker. You got it out. Semper Fi. I believe you will see them again. Rob 1st Marine Div 1, 2 – 1972 yr
I know I will. Thanks brother…
God bless you brother, you lived through hell! You survived, because God has a plan for you. Your letter speaks of the torment we “survivors” all feel. I know for a fact of six times I should have died in Vietnam, but came out without a physical scratch, when fellow Marines fell around me. Yes, we grew up fast, saw a lifetime of death an destruction in mere months. You will never forget that experience, so don’t even try. Just do the best you can. Thank you for sharing your story, may telling it lighten your load. Semper Fi Marine! Job well done. I will remember you in my prayers.
When I wrote that some years back, it really did make my life feel important at that moment. I’d love to say that it changed me in some ways but I still live it at times. You’re right though, it did lighten my load a bit. I just wish there was more I could have done almost 50 years ago. Every January through March everything slows down for me.
Semper Fi Gary….66-69 PI, Geiger, San Diego, 5th Recon Bn Camp Pendleton, I too was a 2533 (couldn’t even do SOS) VN sept 67 – oct 68. I was with HQ BN 4th Marines at FSB Camp Carroll during the siege. I worked radios for the Air Liazon Officer, I am sure I spoke with you on occasions regarding support. I remember all the hill battles you describe, as we would be part of the aerial support. When Khe Sahn took 1400 incoming rounds we would get 150 always 1/10th of what you got that day. It was a way of trying too keep the artillery support from Carroll quiet. I was on Hill 950 after they abandoned Khe Sahn, your description of working hot LZs brought back so many forgotten memories. Thank You for the memories, they reminded me of how being strong during those times carries through life.
950 was no cake walk brother. Welcome Home. As much as I was on my radio, I’m sure we had a few words. Good job!!
Gary Parker, send me your address and I will mail you a copy of my latest book, “Marines, Medals and Vietnam”. My email address is redoubt@cox.net. The book includes an account of the battle in which Ken Korkow earned the Navy Cross. I would have loved to have used your recollection of Khe Sanh in the book. Proud of you Marine!
Mr. Parker, All of those Marines who you attempted to help but, regrettably, did not make it are waiting to escort you through the Pearly Gates into the Kingdom of God. God bless you for your courageous service. Father Richard Gorman
Thank you Sir, I have spoke to God on many occasions and I now know what he has in-store for me. Wasn’t much of a believer at the time but with his help, I was able to do my best. I know they are all waiting for me.
Never heard of the 1/26 infantry division. Cpl Allen Blt & Slf 1/5 june65-dec66 RVN 66 SEMPER FI Brother
I’m SURE he meant regiment instead of division. Harry
On May 11, the 1st Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment (1/26) replaced the 3rd Regiment. One company of Marines from 1/26 was posted on Hill 881 South and another on Hill 861 where I was.
Gary a friend of mine remembers your name he was with the 26th and your letter brought chills to him. He would like to get a hold of you somehow and so you two could talk. His name was Dee Roberts if that happens to ring a bell?? I hope you can see my email so you can reply to this? If not it is dechapman@roadrunner.com and that had to be hard to put that on paper so many feel the same way as you do. Semper Fi brother. Dan Chapman
Sent an email. Hope he got it. Let me know please, Gary
Gary, Wow, that was amazing that you survived. Thank you for telling us about the sacrifice you and those Marines made there. Semper Fi.
SEMPER FI. I was a tv guide boy while you were in Nam. I told all of my customers that I was going to relieve their sons. I signed up in 75. Turned 18 Jan 7th 1976. Graduated from high school Jan 23rd. In boot camp Jan. 28th. Got lucky. You guys did the job…Thank You.Aloha
Gary, my name is Duke. I live now in Tennessee. Having read your post, it’s taken me several days to respond. I needed time to process what you said. Thank you for your service. I entered the marine corps September 1966 after flunking out of freshman year of college. Parris Island platoon 1066, graduated November 1966, ITR, then radio school MCRD San Diego. Graduated probably April or May 1967. Kind of vague. I was a MOS 2533. You were maybe a 2531 or 2533. Instead of Staging Battalion I was sent to 2/13 Camp Pendleton (Camp Las Pulgas where Staging BN was located) I kept expecting orders for Staging BN. Instead got mess duty. Really sucked. Pot shack. I took a language aptitude test one day just to get out of the Pot Shack. Got orders for 1st Marine Division Vietnamese Interrogation language School Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Graduated December 1967 and retuned to Camp Las Pulgas expecting Staging BN. January 1968 North Korea captured the USS Pueblo and BLT 2/27 was flown out of El Toro MAS as a response. I was on board as a radio operator for 2/27. Returning to Camp Pendleton late January ‘68. Tet broke out and 2/27 was sent to VN as a BLT in early February ‘68. Consequently I never went through Staging BN and the replacement process. 2/27 went to 1st Mar Div. I bounced around in different units from Hue, DaNang, An Hoa, Laotian border doing Kit Carson Scout stuff, FO radio operator and FDC radio duty. Saw tough stuff but not to the degree you did. I deeply respect your service with 1/26. I know you’re lucky to have come home. A piece of me feels if I’d done the normal route in ‘67 with Staging BN and replacement orders my experience and life might have been different. I was lucky – if you could call it that – I came home in April ‘69. 6 months to go and the crotch wouldn’t let me out early. My Woodstock 1969 was spent at Quantico MB. Getting discharged in September 1969 as a marine Vietnam Vet was tough. I spent many years trying to figure out where to fit in. I did get a college degree and a masters degree but Vietnam has constantly been a part of my life. I’ve had struggles as you’ve had. Mine probably not to the degree of yours. I rarely spoke of my marine Vietnam service for way over 20 years. Thank you for perhaps reading my response. I’ve never said all this shit to anybody. We are brothers. I hope you continue to have a peaceful life. God bless you, marine.
Hi Duke. I’m so glad you got back and made something of yourself and got to where you’re at. We all have a job to do in life and you like me, accomplished it. Vietnam was a complicated place and we all did what was put on our plate at the time. I never asked to go to Khesanh but like I said, I guess it was a flip of a coin. They needed radio operators there and I guess I was it. Yes, very lucky to get home. Just wanted to mention that I was a 2533 and after Deigo school and CW. seemed to be going out and they turned around for whatever reason and sent me to field radio school 2531.That’s why the two MOS’s. Guess they couldn’t get a “RAT” rig up 881s. lol. I was also instructing OCS Marines communications at Quantico TBS in 1969. Take care brother. Gary
I appreciate your comments. You know, even though I was a 2533 RTO, the only radio I operated or carried in Vietnam was a PRC-25 and only a very brief time with directional antennas. Thank you again for your service. Marines today probably don’t know what is a PRC-25. That’s ok. I consider the Corps today much better trained than years ago. Semper fi.
I know that feeling like something is wrong! Its your spider sences. And they’re usually right on point. I was in an IED explosion in Afghanistan. I remember feeling like something bad was gonna happen. And woke up 17 days later in Ramstein A.F.B. hospital. I’m not going to share my story yet . when o get up the balls to talk about it I will. But thank you for your service to our country, and I am ashamed of the way you were treated when y’all got back home.
SEMPER-FIDELIS.
Sean, just about every week, I really feel for all you guys over there. I just don’t understand it. Lousy war. You hit it right on the head when you said (kind of a spider sence) . You sometimes see that on war movies like the Platoon ambush scene. Whatever……instances like that really do happen. We know!
Hi All, does anyone remember a John “jack” Lindstrom, I believe from “G” Co 2/26, at Hill 881??? I grew up with Jack. I left VN in 3/ 22/67. With Hq Bn 2/12. He died 30 years after he was wounded there. Hit by a 82 MM. If you get this get back to me. John amorim@hotmail.com